SOLD - Mauser C96 Broomhandle Rig - Red 9 (102035 - 20187)

Description

5/9/22 - This is an all matching example of a Mauser "Red 9" Broomhandle pistol made during WWI as part of the Imperial German Army contract. Unlike its commercial counterparts, "red 9" Broomhandles were chambered in more common 9mm Para caliber, which was used by the German Army and were marked with a large 9 on the grips which was then filled with red or orange paint to help German soldiers differentiate its caliber from the standard .30 Mauser cartridge. Only about 130,000 of these very collectible guns were made, with only about 100,000 being accepted by the army and issued to the troops. Considered to be a substitute for a light carbine, they became very popular in trench warfare and were used by some of the Germany's elite crack troops. This gun retains around 92% of its original blue, with most of the wear around the muzzle and on the rails of the pistol. Grips and bore are in excellent condition. The grips appear to be period original examples but they are unnumbered. The pistol has all matching numbers, though it does appear there's a factory error and overstamp as a result on the rear of the hammer group. This is a complete rig with a scarce, original leather harness. The harness is 1916 dated, and has an L.Estelmann maker mark. It's in very good condition but it does appear the cleaning rod pouch was removed. A stock is also included, but the stock is likely after-market. While it does seem quite aged, it is not marked or serialized so presumably not original to this pistol at the very least.